On this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe is joined by James Barlowe, who’s got an agenda to push: Derik Queen can be as good as Alperen Şengün. With Şengün earning his first All-Star nod in 2025 and leading the Houston Rockets to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, James believes Queen shares a similar offensive profile and playmaking IQ. The duo dives into a detailed comparison of Queen and Şengün’s pre-draft scouting notes, exploring how both were doubted for their defense but praised for their touch, feel, and interior craft. James lays out the blueprint for Queen’s NBA success, argues why the defense won’t be a death sentence if the roster is built right, and highlights how Şengün’s strong playoff debut — where he hasn’t been played off the floor like many feared — reinforces that belief. Plus, James closes the episode by naming his ideal landing spot for Derik Queen.

2:00 – James's agenda: Why he believes Derik Queen can be as good as Alperen Şengün
4:29 – Breaking down the concerns with Derik Queen’s game
10:25 – The Derik Queen and Alperen Şengün comparison
11:22 – Revisiting Alperen Şengün’s pre-draft scouting report
14:43 – Full breakdown of Derik Queen’s scouting profile
20:33 – Şengün’s playoff debut and how he's holding up defensively
26:10 – The blueprint for how to build around Derik Queen
28:00 – James’s pick for the best fit for Derik Queen in the 2025 NBA Draft

#DerikQueen #AlperenŞengün #NBAProspects #NBADraft2025 #DraftTalk #NBAComparisons #BigBoard #LockedOnNBA #NBAFutureStars #NBAScouting #BasketballBreakdown #NBADraftAnalysis #Şengün #DerikQueenScouting #DraftDayDebate #NBAOffense #NBAPlayoffs #HoustonRockets #DraftBlueprint #BasketballIQ #DraftSleeper #CenterComparison #NBAHotTakes #NBADraftPodcast #BasketballAgenda #NBAComparisonContent #PlaymakingBigs #NBAProspectWatch #RafaelBarlowe #JamesBarlowe #PushingTheAgenda

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe is joined by Leif Thulin to spotlight the safest bets in the 2025 NBA Draft class — the prospects with the highest floors. Leif breaks down why he believes Duke’s Kon Knueppel, Rutgers’ Dylan Harper, Arizona’s Carter Bryant, and UConn’s Liam McNeeley project as reliable long-term pros. Things get especially interesting when Rafael and Leif dive into a spirited debate about McNeeley — while Leif views him as a steady, high-floor forward, Rafael pushes back, expressing concerns about McNeeley’s inconsistent shooting and defensive limitations. It's a floor-focused episode filled with thoughtful back-and-forth and a scout’s lens on safety in draft evaluations.

Timestamps:

1:54 – Kon Knueppel
6:33 – Dylan Harper
11:25 – Carter Bryant
18:56 – Liam McNeeley
Hashtags:

#NBADraft2025
#HighFloorProspects
#LockedOnNBABigBoard
#KonKnueppel
#DylanHarper
#CarterBryant
#LiamMcNeeley
#DraftTalk
#CollegeBasketballProspects
#NBAFutureStars

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, host Rafael Barlowe is joined by Leif Thulin for a deep dive into the top high-upside prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft class. The conversation centers around the players Leif believes have the highest ceilings, with in-depth breakdowns of Ace Bailey’s shot making, Derik Queen’s advanced skill set for a big, VJ Edgecombe’s two-way potential, and Jeremiah Fears’ dynamic scoring and playmaking tools. It’s a ceiling-focused episode spotlighting the names that could headline the 2025 draft with continued development.

Timestamps:

1:40 – Leif Thulin’s thoughts on the latest college basketball / NBA Draft news
6:05 – Ace Bailey
8:56 – Derik Queen
13:35 – VJ Edgecombe
20:56 – Jeremiah Fears

#NBADraft2025
#DraftCeilings
#AceBailey
#DerikQueen
#VJEdgecombe
#JeremiahFears
#LockedOnNBABigBoard
#NBADraftTalk
#CollegeBasketballProspects
#FutureNBAStars

On the April 23rd episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, Rafael Barlowe breaks down a busy day of NBA draft declarations, headlined by projected top-three pick Ace Bailey officially entering the 2024 NBA Draft. Rafael shares his analysis on Bailey’s explosive athleticism, scoring upside, and long-term ceiling. He then pivots to North Carolina freshman Drake Powell, who also declared after one season—Barlowe offers insight on Powell’s defensive tools and developing offensive game. International prospects Michael Ruzic and Malique Lewis join the list of early entrants, and Rafael provides context on their upside and intrigue. The episode also touches on Boogie Fland’s dual-path move—declaring for the draft while entering the transfer portal—and Duke’s Isaiah Evans choosing to return to school. Lastly, Rafael reacts to Ian Jackson’s surprising transfer from UNC to St. John’s, skipping the draft process entirely.

2:14 – Ace Bailey
5:54 – Drake Powell
11:26 – Michael Ruzic
15:36 – Malique Lewis
17:09 – Boogie Fland
20:58 – Isaiah Evans
24:12 – Ian Jackson
26:55 – Dylan Mitchell

#NBADraft #AceBailey #DrakePowell #BoogieFland #IanJackson #NBAProspects #NBADraft2024 #CollegeBasketball #DraftSeason #LockedOnNBA #OneAndDone #InternationalProspects #TransferPortal #DukeBasketball #UNC #StJohnsHoops

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, Krysten Peek joins Rafael Barlowe to recap her experience covering the 2025 Jordan Brand Classic in Washington, D.C.—a premier all-star showcase for high school seniors. Peek shares her on-site impressions of several top prospects, including Kiyan Anthony, Caleb Wilson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer. She offers insights into their performances, skillsets, and how they stacked up against elite competition in one of the year’s most high-profile prep basketball events.

Timestamps

2:00 – Jordan Brand Classic, Carmelo Anthony
3:52 – Kiyan Anthony
8:26 – Caleb Wilson
12:30 – AJ Dybantsa
17:08 – Cameron Boozer
20:51 – Meleek Thomas, Darius Acuff
23:02 – Tounde Yessoufou
26:43 – Nate Ament

#JordanBrandClassic #KiyanAnthony #CarmeloAnthony #CalebWilson #AJDybantsa #CameronBoozer #MeleekThomas #DariusAcuff #ToundeYessoufou #NateAment #HighSchoolHoops #NBADraft #2025NBADraft #DraftProspects #BasketballRecruiting #FutureStars #AllAmericanGame #LockedOnNBA #NBABigBoard #PrepBasketball #HighSchoolBasketball #ScoutingReport #HoopDreams #BasketballProspects

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, Rafael Barlowe dives into a packed slate of draft declarations and breaking news, headlined by Cooper Flagg officially entering the 2025 NBA Draft. Widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick, Flagg is now fully committed to the NBA, and Barlowe breaks down what makes him a generational prospect while also spotlighting the three teams with the best odds to land him.

Barlowe then shifts to Baylor freshman VJ Edgecombe, who officially declared over the weekend. He details why Edgecombe, with his explosive athleticism and two-way versatility, could go down as the highest draft pick in Baylor history. From there, attention turns to Arkansas freshman Karter Knox, who's testing the waters—Barlowe weighs the pros and cons of staying in the draft versus returning to school or hitting the transfer portal. The episode also covers two international prospects—Hugo Gonzalez and Neoklis Avdalas—both intriguing wing options who’ve declared for the draft. Wrapping things up, Barlowe shares his thoughts on top-five 2026 prospect Nate Ament, who just announced he’ll be playing next season at Tennessee, a major get for the Volunteers.

Episode Timestamps:

1:57 – Cooper Flagg declares for the 2025 NBA Draft
6:29 – VJ Edgecombe's draft announcement and Baylor legacy potential
10:04 – Karter Knox tests the waters and evaluates his options
15:41 – Hugo Gonzalez declares: breaking down the international wing
20:20 – Neoklis Avdalas enters the draft: what scouts see in his upside
24:00 – Nate Ament commits to Tennessee, locks in 2026 NBA Draft buzz

#NBADraft
#NBADraft2025
#CooperFlagg
#VJEdgecombe
#KarterKnox
#HugoGonzalez
#NeoklisAvdalas
#NateAment
#CollegeBasketball
#NBAProspects
#InternationalProspects
#DraftTalk
#LockedOnNBA
#NBAFutureStars
#NBABigBoard
#DraftStock
#OneAndDone
#DraftWatch
#VolsHoops
#ArkansasBasketball
#BaylorBasketball
#DukeBasketball
#NBA2025

In a recent episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, host Rafael Barlowe welcomed Richard Stayman, who provided firsthand insights from the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT). As a historic four-day event, the PIT serves as a premier showcase for graduating seniors aiming to elevate their NBA draft stock. Stayman highlighted standout performances from the tournament, noting players who seized the opportunity to impress scouts and potentially secure spots in upcoming NBA combines. His observations offered listeners a glimpse into the prospects making waves at this pivotal pre-draft camp.​

2:20 – Why the P.I.T?
5:00 – Standouts
5:16 – Zach Freemantle
7:27 – RJ Felton
11:01 – Moussa Cisse
14:00 – Nelly Junior Joseph
17:00 – Steven Ashworth
20:38 – Chucky Hepburn
23:19 – Nate Santos
25:32 – Jonnell Davis
26:40 – Tyson Degenhart
27:36 – Kobe Sanders
29:05 – John Poulakidas
30:40 – Sean Pedulla
31:46 – Matt Cleveland

#NBADraft
#PortsmouthInvitational
#PIT2025
#LockedOnNBABigBoard
#RafaelBarlowe
#RichardStayman
#ZachFreemantle
#RJFelton
#MoussaCisse
#NellyJuniorJoseph
#StevenAshworth
#ChuckyHepburn
#NateSantos
#JonnellDavis
#TysonDegenhart
#KobeSanders
#JohnPoulakidas
#SeanPedulla
#MattCleveland
#SeniorShowcase
#DraftSleepers
#NBACombineHopefuls

On this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, host Rafael Barlowe delivers an updated 2025 NBA Draft tracker loaded with key names and fresh intel on where things stand. Rafael breaks down the top prospects who have officially declared for the draft, including Dylan Harper, Tre Johnson, Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, and more. He also highlights the big names still holding off on a formal announcement—Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Ace Bailey—who are all expected to make decisions soon. The episode takes a deep dive into the players currently testing the waters, like Thomas Sorber, Tahaad Pettiford, and Alex Condon, and how NIL is playing a massive role in shaping the draft landscape. To close things out, Rafael spotlights prospects who opted to return to school or hit the transfer portal, including Xaivian Lee, Yaxel Lendeborg, and JT Toppin—who reportedly landed a staggering $4 million NIL deal to stay at Texas Tech. If you’re trying to stay ahead of the curve, this episode has everything you need to track the rising, the undecided, and the strategic movers in this evolving 2025 draft class.

Podcast Timestamps:

2:21 – Update on top prospects who have not yet declared: Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Ace Bailey

3:43 – Full rundown of declared prospects with scouting blurbs and draft range projections: Dylan Harper, Tre Johnson, Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, Kon Knueppel, etc.

17:57 – Fringe first-rounders who declared: Labaron Philon, Boogie Fland, Adou Thiero

23:25 – Players testing the waters while maintaining eligibility: Thomas Sorber, Tahaad Pettiford, Alex Condon

27:00 – Thoughts on international prospects + NIL’s impact: JT Toppin’s $4M return, and how NIL is shifting the draft calculus

#DylanHarper #TreJohnson #DerikQueen #JeremiahFears #KonKnueppel #LiamMcNeeley #AsaNewell #JaseRichardson #EgorDemin #WillRiley #RasheerFleming #DannyWolf #BoogieFland #LabaronPhilon #AdouThiero #ThomasSorber #TahaadPettiford #AlexCondon #YaxelLendeborg #CedricCoward #CooperFlagg #KhamanMaluach #AceBailey #CarterBryant #JTToppen #XaivianLee

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